Honourable senators, it is truly my honour to welcome to Parliament Hill the amazing team of Easter Seals Canada, Canada’s largest provider of programs, services and leadership for Canadians living with disabilities.

Founded in 1922, Easter Seals Canada and its provincial members have, for more than one century, supported children, youth, adults and seniors through every stage of life, helping them access programs that foster independence, confidence and inclusion. These programs include fully accessible summer camps, access to assistive and adaptive equipment, education scholarships, employment preparation, skills training and much more.

Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians directly benefit from local programs and services delivered through the federation. In 2024 alone, over 4,700 children and their families took part in accessible camps.

On a personal note, barely nine months after the accident that left me a paraplegic, I myself went to Camp Papillon in Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez as a camper, while I was getting my bearings as a person newly living with a disability. This experience had a major impact on my confidence and my ability to believe that anything is possible.

Easter Seals Canada and its nationwide network of accessible camps literally change lives, including my own. Last year alone, 130 youths received job preparation training, and 192 participants and caregivers took financial literacy training. In addition, more than 31,900 days at camp were made possible through donations.

Since 1922, Easter Seals Canada has worked hard to build a society that embraces and celebrates the contributions of Canadians of all abilities, a vision that aligns deeply with our shared commitment to equality and inclusion.

Easter Seals Canada has a real impact. It breaks down barriers, develops people’s confidence and skills, and gives thousands of Canadians a chance to fully participate in the community and the economy.

Today, as we mark over 100 years of remarkable work, let us recognize what it truly represents: the belief that every Canadian, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to shine, grow and belong. Easter Seals Canada, thank you, meegwetch.